BLACKPOOL'S gamble on building massive Las Vegas-style casinos to turn it into an odds-on international holiday destination have been overwhelmingly backed by local people.

Plans for the resort to become the UK home of Resort Casinos were launched at a Tower Ballroom Press conference on Monday attended by Tourism Minister Janet Anderson.

And Blackpool Challenge Partnership, representing 50 public and private sector members, unveiled survey figures showing 71 per cent of Blackpool residents supported the plans to bulldoze the Golden Mile.

Janet Anderson said the ambitious project was exciting and innovative and could transform the resort. "Blackpool is thriving, but ensuring it can keep attracting visitors in the future when there will be much more choice is important.

"That is why I am delighted to have been invited to help launch Blackpool Challenge Partnership's initiative today."

Director of the partnership and Blackpool Council chief executive Graham Essex-Crosby added: "This is great news for tourists and great news for the people of Blackpool.

"Resort Casinos, with their mix of games, entertainment and shows will put Blackpool right back on the map and in the premier league of tourist attractions round the world.

"But they will also help to regenerate Blackpool, which has fallen on hard times in recent years. That is why local people think Resort Casinos are such a winner."

A substantial proportion of profits from the casinos will directly contribute to the renaissance of the town, pouring into a Local Regeneration Fund, he added.

It would be a true public-private partnership, managed by an independent board of trustees.

Resort Casinos would be themed Las Vegas-style developments with high-quality four-to-five star accommodation, enhanced conference facilities and top entertainment.